When it comes to plague outbreaks in Europe, your mind probably doesn't immediately jump to a so-called dancing plague. Yet that's precisely what seemed to grip Strasbourg, France in the summer of 1518. Townspeople started dancing, seemingly against their will, and couldn't stop for almost a month.

Hundreds died of exhaustion, with contemporary commentators blaming the wrath of St Vitus. More recently, people have suspected ergot poisoning, religious fervour, or mass psychogenic illness.

So what exactly happened, and how does it relate to folklore? Let's find out in this week's episode of Fabulous Folklore!

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What was the Dancing Plague of 1518 in Strasbourg? 22:33 Share

Fabulous Folklore with Icy

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What was the Dancing Plague of 1518 in Strasbourg?